MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

January 25, 2007 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

Grace Church- and I- have been blessed by many people of late...

We had a heating problem recently that Bob deJong came in and spent a couple of hours trouble-shooting for us.

I'm working on end-of-year conference reports and W2s and have consulted with Janice Roy more than once.

These two people have continued to share the work and their knowledge, despite no longer being on payroll.

Darrel King was in early Wednesday morning, a day that he is normally at his other job, just to get the sidewalks cleared and ice-melt down before people began arriving for the day.

Gordy Wilson worked whatever odd hours were required to get the Snapshots out on time. It has to be weekends or nights, because he never confiscates the office during regular business hours.

Brenda Husler became aware of a scheduling glitch and graciously invited a couple from Canterbury to ride with her to church on Sunday.

Richard Kesler braved the world of advanced technology and learned to make copies so that he wouldn't have to take me away from other activities.

Walt Crackel fixed the exterior door near the office, despite the fact that I had some difficulty explaining to him what the problem was with it (think along the lines of mechanics and car owners, here).

Elise Fears was in to help prepare the bulletins for last Sunday.

Good thing, too, because it was one of those days when things kept popping up that had to be dealt with, and the bulletins would have required some over-time without her.

Lowell Dickey called just to verify that communion cups had indeed been ordered. They had, but I always appreciate follow-up when someone needs something. And that's because...

...I sometimes over-look something. Harriet Cline called and very tactfully asked where the flower sign-up sheet went after the bulletin board was taken down. Oops; I hadn't remembered to get one for 2007. (By the way, it will be on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall from now on- there's more room).

Janet Fredrick delivered a stack of audio tapes of our worship services to Margaret Hudson. That saved the church a little money, but more importantly gave the two ladies a chance to visit.

Of course, similar things go on all the time, and many, many people bless us. I, for one, just tend to be more aware of the work at

hand- and a linear process for completing it- than of the people who flow in and out and around it, and grace it with their quiet efforts.

And for all these people, every day, we should say, "Thanks be to God."

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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: tuna, canned meats, pork and beans

FINANCIAL UPDATE: To date, we have had:

Income of $14,535 Expenses of $9,910

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THE CALENDAR: (Please note especially items marked with an asterisk).

Thursday, Jan. 25: J.O.Y. sharing group will meet at 7:00 in the parlor.

Sunday, Jan. 28: * There will be no Youth Group meeting this evening or not February 4 (Super Bowl).

* Church Council meeting at 6:30 in the Seekers Sunday school room.

Monday, January 29: Growing in Grace rehearsal at 4:00 in the sanctuary.

Tuesday, January 30: Quilters will meet at 6:30.

Angelus hand bell choir will rehearse at 6:30.

Chancel Choir will rehearse at 7:30.

Wednesday, Jan. 31: Men's Breakfast Group will meet at 6:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

Cherub Choir will practice at 5:30.

Life Song will practice at 6:30 at the Aters' home.

WellSpring service will begin at 7:30 in the sanctuary.

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If you know of someone who is in need of pastoral care, please contact the church office (328-1414) or respond to the e-mail address above.

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